Are you an aspiring civil servant looking to crack the UPSC Mains examination? If so, then you’re no stranger to the significance of the optional subject you choose. One of the most intriguing choices for many UPSC aspirants is History, and within this vast field, “Indian Response to British Rule” has emerged as a perennial favorite. In this blog series, we will delve into the past decade’s worth of UPSC Mains examination questions, focusing on the “Indian Response to British Rule” optional subject. We’ll explore the thematic trends, the evolving nature of questions, and provide valuable insights to help you not only understand the historical context but also develop effective strategies for tackling this subject in the upcoming UPSC Mains examination.
The period from 2013 to 2023 has seen significant changes in the way UPSC frames questions, and understanding this evolution is crucial for any serious aspirant. From analyzing the subtle shifts in focus, such as the socio-economic and political aspects of India’s response to British rule, to identifying the recurring themes that have stood the test of time, we will equip you with the knowledge and perspective required to excel in your preparation. So, whether you’re a history enthusiast or just starting your UPSC journey, join us on this insightful exploration of “Indian Response to British Rule” as we uncover the past decade’s questions and unravel the secrets to mastering this intriguing optional subject.
Indian Response to British Rule History – Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains History Optional)
Peasant movements and tribal uprisings in the 18th and 19th centuries Including the Rangpur Dhing (1783), the Kol Rebellion (1832), the Mopla Rebellion In Malabar (1841-1920), the Santal Hul (1855), Indigo Rebellion (1859-60), Deccan Uprising (1875) and the Munda Ulgulan (1899- 1900); The Great Revolt of 1857 – Origin, character, causes of failure, the consequences; The shift In the character of peasant uprisings In the post-1857 period; the peasant movements of
the 1920s and 1930s.
1. “On the whole, it is difficult to avoid the conclusion that the so-called First National War of Independence was neither First, nor National, nor a War of Independence.” Comment in about 200 words. (1985)
2. ‘The roots of Moplah discontent were clearly agrarian….’. Comment in about 200 words. (1986)
3. ‘It is sometimes asked by Ruling Chiefs, as well as by the public in India and in Europe what our policy towards Native States is. I can tell you that the basis of the policy was laid in Queen Victoria’s Proclamation of 1858 and repeated in the Coronation message of His Majesty the King Emperor.’ Comment in about 200 words. (1986)
4. ‘The British endeavoured as far as possible to live within a Ring-Fence and beyond that they avoided intercourse with the chiefs.’ Comment in about 200 words. (1987)
5. Identify the various forms of ‘rural protest in India in the second half of the nineteenth century. Were they expressions of anti-landlord or anti-foreign discontent? (1987)
6. “Whatever might have been its original character, it (Rebellion of 1857) soon became a symbol of challenge to the mighty British power in India.” Comment in about 200 words. (1988)
7. Discuss briefly the tribal revolts in Eastern India from 1817 to 1857. Were they directed against land lordism and colonialism? (1988)
8. ‘If the paramount power cast its imperial cloak over the princes, it was also entitled to see that what was sheltered was in the main creditable.’ Comment in about 200 words. (1989)
9. The roots of the Moplah uprising (1921) were clearly agrarian. Do you agree? (1990)
10. Discuss the origins and character of major peasant and tribal uprisings in the late 18th and 19th centimes’. Were these protest movements backwards – looking? (1992)
11. “The new attitude of caution and conservatism can detected in almost every sphere of British activity in India after the Revolt of 1857.” Comment. (1994)
12. Tribal movements should be viewed as “History from below”. Discuss the objectives & nature of the movements in 19th C. India. (1997)
13. Examine the nature of the Revolt of 1857 and indicate the manifold changes in British civil and military administration of India after 1857. (1998)
14. Do you believe that the uprising in 1857 was nationalist in nature? If not, what was its character? (1999)
15. The 1921 Moplah rebellion was”in essence an expression of long – standing agrarian discontent which was intensified by the religious and ethnic identity”. Comment. (2000)
16. Towards the Princes, Canning adopted a policy of “punishing resistance and rewarding obedience”. Comment. (2000)
’17. The tribal and peasant rebellion laid the foundation of the revolt of 1857.’ Comment. (2001)
18. ‘Whatever might have been its original character, it (Rebellion of 1857) soon became a symbol of challenge to the mighty British power in India.’ (2005)
19. “The Revolt of 1857 seemed to call the very presence of the British into question. What it did not do was reverse these changes.” Comment. (2007)
20. “The annexation of Awadh shook the loyalty of the Sepoys, as it was for them an ultimate proof of untrustworthiness of the British.” Comment. (2009)
21. “In 1857, the rebal sepoys showed a remarkable centripetal tendency to congregate at Delhi.” Do you agree? Substantiate. (2011)
22. “Tribals revolted more often and far more violently than any other community including peasants to India.” Elaborate. (2011)
23. “The peasant movements of the second half of the nineteenth century lacked a positive conception of an alternative society – a conception which would unite the people in a common struggle on a wide regional and all- India plane and help develop long – term political developments.” Critically examine in 150 words. (2012)
24. “The Santhal hool began in July 1855. The core of the movement was economic, the basic cause of the uprising was agrarian discontent.”- Elucidate. (2012)
25. “The military, feudal and traditional overtones of the Revolt of 1857 were overshadowed by its nationalist or proto nationalist character.” Critically examine in 150 words. (2014)
26. Critically examine: “The Indigo Revolt of 1859-60 holds a very significant place in our history of national liberation movement. For the first time in the history of our anti – colonial struggle, its two independent currents- spontaneous peasant resistance and constitutional agitation in defence of the peasantry came into mutual contact.” (2015)
27. Analyze the nature of peasant movements during the nationalist phase and bring out their shortcomings. (2015)
28.”The Mutiny of 1857 was much more than a Mutiny of Sepoys and much less than a National Rebellion.” Comment. (2016)
29.How far is it correct to say that the 19th century tribal uprisings are a part of subalterns nationalism. (2016)
30.Discuss the nature of peasant movements under the Kisan Sabhas during 1920-1940. (2017)
31. Was the Moplah Rebellion in Malabar an expression of anti-landlord and antiforeign discontent? Discuss. (2018)
32. Critically examine: the Kol Insurrection was mainly a war of the tribal inhabitants of Chotanagpur against the non-tribal settlers and service-holders.” (2019)
33. For long, the Revolt of 1857, has been mistaken to be a mere mutiny of the Indian sepoys in the Bengal army. However, its causes need to be searched for not only in the dissatisfaction of the army, but in a long drawn process of fundamental social and economic change that upset the peasant communities. Discuss. (2020)
34. Do you feel that the Santhal Hool (rebellion) 1855-56, was the most effective tribal movement in pre-1857 India? (2020)
FAQs on Indian Response to British Rule
Q: What are some notable quotes about British rule in India?
A: “The sun never sets on the British Empire.” – A common expression during British colonial rule.
“You cannot conquer India. Because it’s not a piece of land; it’s a world.” – A quote reflecting the diversity of India.
Q: Why did British rule India for 200 years?
A: British rule in India extended for two centuries primarily due to a combination of factors, including superior military technology, strategic control of trade routes, and the exploitation of internal divisions among Indian princely states and communities. The British East India Company’s expansion, followed by direct British rule, allowed them to maintain control.
Q: Was British rule good for India?
A: Opinions on British rule in India are divided. While some argue that it brought modern infrastructure and education to India, others highlight the economic exploitation, social injustices, and political oppression during the colonial period. The impact of British rule varies greatly depending on the perspective and region considered.
Q: What was the British response to the Indian Mutiny (Sepoy Mutiny or First War of Independence) of 1857?
A: The British response to the Indian Mutiny was brutal and marked by widespread reprisals against Indian rebels. It led to a significant increase in direct British control over India, with the British Crown taking over governance from the British East India Company. This event resulted in more direct and centralized rule over India, with efforts to prevent further uprisings and tighten British control.
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